tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ turagebhyāḥ śataṁ ca dehi niṣkṛtam

tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) turagebhyāḥ (horses) śataṁ (hundred) ca (and) dehi (give) niṣkṛtam (gold)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyas turagebhyāḥ śataṁ ca dehi niṣkṛtam, when considered in the context of the Mahābhārata, serves as a metaphor for the ultimate donation or sacrifice one must make to attain spiritual liberation. The 'white horses' can be seen as symbols of the senses or the mind, which must be controlled or 'given' in devotion to the higher self or Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, particularly the discussion on the nature of the self (ātman), underscores the idea that true liberation involves recognizing the non-dual nature of reality. In this context, donating or dedicating one's actions and attachments to a higher cause (symbolized by the white horses) is a step towards realizing this non-dual identity of Brahman and ātman. The emphasis here is on the act of giving as a means of detachment, aligning with Shankara's teaching that the path to liberation involves the renunciation of worldly attachments and the cultivation of knowledge (jñāna) of the ultimate reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of this verse, highlights the importance of devotion (bhakti) and the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya's interpretation would likely emphasize the act of giving, dehi, as a form of surrender or prapatti, where the devotee offers everything, including their actions and possessions, to the Lord. The white horses may symbolize purity and selflessness, qualities that are nurtured in the devotee through their devotional practices. In Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta, the focus might be on the distinction between the Lord and the devotee, with the act of giving representing the service and worship owed to the Supreme. Both perspectives within the Vaiṣṇava tradition underscore the idea that spiritual growth and liberation are facilitated through devotion and selfless service to the Lord, which aligns with the devotional reading of this verse.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of service to others as a means to spiritual growth and self-realization. This verse, with its instruction to give to the white horses, can be interpreted in a modern context as a call to selfless service and the cultivation of a sense of detachment. The white horses can symbolize those in need or the oppressed, to whom one must offer their resources and time. Vivekānanda's message of practical Vedānta encourages individuals to engage in service as a form of worship, recognizing the divine in all beings. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlighted the importance of living a life that balances individual freedom with a sense of responsibility to the community. This verse, in a contemporary reading, can inspire individuals to adopt a lifestyle of simplicity, generosity, and service, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from contributing to the greater good rather than accumulating personal wealth or status.

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